Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-energy shifts, support your team, and create memorable customer experiences.
- Company: Join Grindsmith, a bold Manchester-born coffee brand at Manchester Airport.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff discounts, free meals, flexible hours, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Free car parking and supportive team culture with development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team in a buzzing airport environment with no two days the same.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or hospitality leadership; passion for coffee and great service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As a Team Leader at Grindsmith, you lead by doing. You’ll run high-energy shifts, support a brilliant team, and make sure every customer leaves with an experience worth remembering. With a focus on service, quality, and culture, you help bring our brand to life, every day.
Opening hours 0130-2100 Monday - Sunday, fully flexible to include weekends.
Why join Grindsmith?
- Be part of a bold Manchester-born coffee brand
- Work in a buzzing airport location where no two days are the same
- Grow with us—development opportunities and career progression
- Enjoy staff discounts, partner perks, and a free meal and drink every shift
- Be yourself in a vibrant, values-led workplace
- Free Car Park - On shift
- Un Sociable Hours Pay - Uplift £1.50ph
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading shifts and creating a positive, high-performing team environment
- Coaching your team on the floor and celebrating wins together
- Keeping things running smoothly—stock, safety, service, and smiles
- Serving up top-notch coffee, food, and hospitality
- Living and breathing the Grindsmith values, every single shift
What we’re looking for:
- Experience leading teams in retail or hospitality
- A calm, confident communicator who brings people together
- A sharp eye for detail and a love for quality
- Someone who thrives on solving problems and planning ahead
- A passion for craft coffee, great food, and warm, authentic service
- Super flexible team players who can roll with the airport rhythm and bring positive energy to every shift
- Previous Barista experience preferred but not essential for the right candidate
Airport Vetting Requirements
Due to the location of this role airside at Manchester Airport, all candidates must pass aviation security clearance. This includes:
- A valid passport
- A complete 5-year history (employment, education, travel, or volunteering)
- A criminal record check (DBS)
We will guide you through the vetting process and support you in submitting the necessary documentation.
Why Grindsmith @ WHSmith
Grindsmith is a values-led, independent coffee brand rooted in Manchester. Paired with WHSmith’s rich heritage and innovative approach to travel retail, this collaboration brings together craft, community, and decades of experience to create something truly unique.
Shift patterns that suit airport hours, with a supportive team around you. Free car parking onsite at Manchester Airport while at work. A strong development culture and opportunities to grow within the business. Staff discount, partner perks, plus free a meal and drink while working in a vibrant workplace where you can truly be yourself.
*Grindsmith - Cafe* - Team Leader - 30hrs in Manchester employer: WH Smith
Contact Detail:
WH Smith Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land *Grindsmith - Cafe* - Team Leader - 30hrs in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Grindsmith's vibe! Before your interview, spend some time in the café if you can. This way, you’ll understand the atmosphere and the team dynamics, which will help you connect better during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve led a team or solved a problem. Bring those stories to the table to demonstrate how you can create that positive, high-performing environment Grindsmith is all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! Grindsmith values authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for coffee and hospitality, and show them how you can bring that positive energy to every shift.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you through the process, including the vetting requirements for the airport role.
We think you need these skills to ace *Grindsmith - Cafe* - Team Leader - 30hrs in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Coffee: When you're writing your application, let your love for craft coffee shine through! Mention any experiences you've had with coffee or hospitality that make you excited about joining Grindsmith. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Team Leader, you'll be guiding a fantastic team. Make sure to showcase any previous leadership roles you've had, even if they were in different settings. We’re looking for calm, confident communicators who can bring people together!
Be Yourself: Grindsmith values authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share what makes you unique and how you align with our vibrant culture. We want to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you one step closer to joining our buzzing team at Manchester Airport!
How to prepare for a job interview at WH Smith
✨Know Your Grindsmith Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Grindsmith's values. They’re all about quality, service, and culture, so think about how your own experiences align with these principles. Be ready to share examples of how you've embodied similar values in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Team Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate a team. Prepare specific examples of when you've successfully led a team in a high-energy environment. Highlight your coaching style and how you celebrate team wins to create a positive atmosphere.
✨Emphasise Your Problem-Solving Abilities
In a bustling airport café, things can get hectic! Think of times when you've had to solve problems on the spot or plan ahead to ensure smooth operations. Share these stories during your interview to show that you thrive under pressure and can keep things running smoothly.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility Questions
Given the nature of airport hours, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and availability. Grindsmith values team players who can adapt to changing schedules. Have a few examples ready that showcase your willingness to go the extra mile and work varied shifts, including weekends.